System and Method for Transmitting Signals to an Appliance

ABSTRACT

A transmitter apparatus is provided that includes an actuator and a transmitter with a housing around an antenna and wireless transmission circuitry. The actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing is coupled to the actuator and is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building. The housing generally surrounds transmission circuitry and an antenna. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING SIGNALS TO AN APPLIANCE being filed on the same date as the present application and having attorney docket number 5569/91492, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to transmitters and, more specifically, to the actuation of appliances using transmitters.

BACKGROUND

Various types of appliances are utilized in today's homes and businesses. For example, door bells, intercoms, lights, fans, alarm systems, and moveable barrier operators are only a few examples of such appliances in use today. To activate or control the operation of an appliance, some type of actuator is typically used. For instance, a switch may be actuated by a user in order to activate a light, or a doorbell button may be pressed by a user to cause door bell chimes associated with the button to sound. In some examples, the actuator may be hard-wired to the appliance. In other cases, the actuator may be associated with a wireless transmitter. When a wireless actuator is actuated, a radio frequency (RF) signal is formed and then transmitted via an antenna to the appliance. The appliance receives the RF signal and activates the appliance according to the RF signal.

Wireless systems have proved to be convenient for many users, for example, avoiding the need to re-wire existing systems. Unfortunately, wireless systems also have experienced various problems that often limited their use and/or effectiveness. More specifically, wireless systems are often attached to the exterior walls of buildings. The walls themselves are constructed of materials such as stucco (that include a metallic mesh), or are surrounded by steel or aluminum siding all of which interfere with and/or absorb wireless signals intended to be sent from the wireless transmitters to the appliance. Wireless doorbells or chimes are a good example of the later problem. Signals transmitted by wireless door bell buttons (attached to the exterior walls of buildings) often could not be received and/or were interfered with by the constructional composition and/or structure of the walls to which they were attached. Hence, these signals could not be received by the chime unit, or if they were received, were unusable by the chime unit due to degradation in signal quality.

Moreover, with respect to wireless door chimes, transmitters and batteries required for the chimes created a unit with less than idea aesthetics. These items extended out from an outside wall as opposed to be nearly flush or co-planar with the planar surface of an outside wall. The outwardly extended portion of the door bell button unit created a less than desired aesthetic unit when installed.

As a result of the above-mentioned problems, wireless signals sent by wireless actuators which were intended to activate and/or control an appliance often were not received by the appliance. Units also were created with less than desired attractiveness to consumers. These problems have led to user inconvenience and frustration with these previous systems.

SUMMARY

An apparatus, method and system are provided whereby portions of a wireless transmitter are arranged and situated relative to a structural element of a building so as to ensure that the wireless signals transmitted by the transmitter will be received by an appliance and received in a form that is usable by the appliance. Further, the approaches provided herein permit the wireless transmitter to be inserted into a wall such that a button or actuator can be nearly flush or coplanar with the wall. More specifically, an actuator (e.g., a button) is disposed so as to be at least partially accessible by a user. Furthermore, a transmitter comprising a housing, transmission circuitry and an antenna are disposed at least partially into or through an opening in the structural element of the building such that the transmitter is effective for transmitting wireless signals such as RF signals, to the appliance. Consequently, a transmission from a wireless transmitter to an appliance may occur without the interference of the structural element of the building and the signal will be received in a form usable by the appliance. The approaches described herein are easy to use, can be readily retrofitted with existing buildings and appliances, are aesthetically pleasing, and are easy and cost effective to implement.

The actuator which is reactively coupled to the transmitter is mounted into a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing surrounds the actuator leaving a portion of the actuator exposed to permit actuation of the transmitter by a button or the like. The housing is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building to permit the transmission of wireless signals to the appliance. Transmission circuitry and an antenna are in the housing downstream the actuator. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

In many examples, the transmitter includes a power source such as a battery. The power source may be disposed within the transmitter so as to be accessible to the user without removing the actuator from its mounted position. Alternatively, the power source may be disposed within the transmitter housing so as to be accessible to the user only by removing the actuator from its mounted position.

The antenna may be disposed at various positions within the housing. In one example, the antenna is disposed within the housing so as to extend at least partially beyond the structural element of the building when the housing is inserted into the opening. Other placements of the antenna relative to the opening are possible.

The housing may also be of varying dimensions and shapes, and preferably is rigid to assist in the insertion of the housing and encased transmitter and batteries into a wall or structure. In one example, the housing is cylindrical in shape, for example, a cylindrical tube that is less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. In this circumstance, the housing surrounding the transmitter and the antenna can be readily inserted in a hole previously used in a hard wired door bell system. In other examples, the housing may be “D” shaped, “C” shaped, or a cone. The hole may also be of different shapes and dimensions. For example, the hole may be of less than about 1.5 inches in diameter. In some examples, the housing is also is less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and the housing diameter is sized to be slightly smaller than the hole diameter to provide a snug fit. Other examples of shapes and dimensions for the housing and hole are possible.

As mentioned, the transmitter may be inserted into various structural elements of buildings. In this regard, the structural element may include openings in exterior walls, interior walls or barriers for receipt of the housing/transmitter. The remotely situated appliance may be a number of different devices such as a door bell, a light, an intercom, a fan, an alarm system, a moveable barrier operator, a window treatment, a rolling shutter, a hot tub, a fireplace, a television, or a video source. Other examples of structural elements and appliances are possible.

The actuator may also assume different forms. In one example, the actuator comprises at least one button. In some examples, the one or more buttons are illuminated.

The proportions of the actuator as compared to the housing may also vary. For example, the actuator will have a first volume and the housing will have a second volume, and the first volume is less than the second volume. In an important aspect, more than 70 percent of the volume of the transmitter is contained in the wall structure.

In others of these approaches, an actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building. A housing of the transmitter is disposed into an opening in a structural element of a building and coupled to the actuator. The housing includes an RF transmission circuitry and an antenna for responsively transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals to a remote appliance upon actuation of the actuator.

In some examples, the housing is disposed in the structural element by drilling a hole completely through a wall of the building. In some examples, the hole is of less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.

In other examples, a power source at the transmitter is accessed without removing the actuator from its mounted position. In alternative approaches, the power source at the transmitter is accessed by removing the actuator from its mounted position.

Thus, an apparatus is provided where wireless transmitters can be successfully used to wirelessly activate or otherwise control appliances. The apparatus minimizes or eliminates the impact of the construction, configuration, or other characteristics of building elements or other potential interference sources. The apparatus described herein is easy to install or retrofit into a prior hard wired system and is cost effective to implement and result in the effective operation and/or control of appliances for the user. Consequently, user satisfaction with systems that implement these approaches is significantly enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 comprises a side view of a wireless transmitter according to an embodiment the present invention;

FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view of a wireless transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 comprises a schematic diagram of a wireless transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, one example of a wireless transmitter apparatus 100 that actuates a remotely situated appliance 112 is described. The wireless transmitter apparatus includes an actuator 106, a decorative plate 104 and transmitter 103. In this example, the actuator 106 is a button. In other examples, the actuator 106 may be a switch, keypad, or rotating wheel. Other examples of actuators are possible. In addition, there may also be more than one actuator 106 (e.g., multiple buttons). In other examples, the actuator 106 may be illuminated by a light or other arrangement disposed within the actuator 106 or the decorative plate 104. The decorative plate 104 surrounds the actuator 106 and may be the existing decorative plate that is mounted to a structural element 102 of a building.

The transmitter 103 includes a housing 109, transmission circuitry 108 and antenna 110. The housing extends partially or completely through an opening 107 in the structural element 102. The housing 109 surrounds transmission circuitry 108, and an antenna 110 and may include power source 111. The antenna 110 is coupled to transmitter circuitry 108 and may be disposed to the rear of the housing 109. Radio frequency (RF) signals are transmitted from the antenna 110 to the appliance 112. The signals are received by the appliance 112 and may activate and/or otherwise control the operation of the appliance 112.

The antenna 110 may be any antenna structure capable of transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals. In one example, the antenna 110 is a stiff or semi-stiff wire. In other examples, the antenna 110 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Other examples of antenna structures are possible.

The appliance 112 may be a variety of type of devices. For example, the appliance may be a door bell (or chimes), a light, an intercom, a fan, an alarm system, a moveable barrier operator, a window treatment, a rolling shutter, a hot tub, a fireplace, a television, or a video source. Other examples of appliances are possible.

The appliance 112 is remotely situated from the actuator 106 and the transmitter 103. That is, the appliance 112 is not coextensive with these elements and is within range of signals transmitted from the antenna 110. In one example, the transmitter 103 is inserted into the exterior wall of a home and the remotely situated appliance 112 is a chime unit mounted to an interior wall in an adjacent entryway or foyer of the home.

As shown, an opening 107 extends completely through a structural element 102 of a building. The structural element 102 may be any structural component of a building such as an external wall, an internal wall, or a barrier (e.g., door, gate, or the like). Other examples of structural elements are possible. The opening 107 may be formed in any number of ways. For example, a standard drill using a standard drill bit may be used to form the opening (e.g., a hole 1.5 inches or less in diameter). Other approaches for forming the opening 107 are possible. In some cases, the opening may be an existing opening.

In the example of FIG. 1, the opening 107 extends completely through the structural element 102 and the antenna 110 is a wire (within the housing 109) having a length and positioned within the housing 109 so as to extend completely through and out of the opening 107. In so doing, any interference or absorption of RF signals transmitted by the antenna 110 caused by the structural element 102 of the building (or items attached to or associated with the structural element) is substantially reduced or eliminated.

In other examples, the opening 107 may extend completely through the structural element 102, but the housing 109 may extend only partially through the opening 107. In still other examples, both the opening 107 and the housing 109 extend only partially through the structural element 102 of the building, but the transmitter and antenna extend through the opening sufficiently far to permit the wireless transmission of signals and successful receipt of such signals by the application to activate the appliance.

With respect to the antenna 110 and transmission circuitry 108, in some examples, both the antenna 110 and the transmission circuitry 108 are positioned within the housing 109 to reside completely within the structural element 102. In other examples, a first part of the transmission circuitry 108 resides within the structural element 102 while a second part resides outside structural element 102, and the antenna 110 resides within the structural element 102. As positioned with the housing 109, the transmission circuitry 108 and/or antenna 110 may also extend beyond the structural element 102.

In many examples, the housing 109 that encloses the antenna 110 and the transmission circuitry 108 is shaped to fit into openings of buildings. In one example, the housing 109 is rigid, made of materials such as plastic which will not interfere with the transmission of RF signals and is cylindrically shaped so that it can be easily be inserted into standard-sized holes drilled using standard-sized drill bits. In other examples, it may be “D” shaped, “C” shaped, or shaped as a cone. Other examples of shapes are possible.

The drill hole may also be of varying shapes and dimensions. For example, the drill hole may be about 1.5 inches or less and cylindrically shaped. Other examples of shapes and dimensions for the hole are possible. The housing 109 may be cylindrically shaped, sized and sufficiently rigid to fit and be pushed into and/or through the hole. The hole may also be a preexisting hole or newly drilled.

In some examples, the housing diameter is selected so as to be slightly smaller than the hole diameter to provide a snug fit. In other examples, the dimensions of both hole and housing are selected to provide a looser fit. In still other examples, the housing and sides of the hole are not even in contact with each other. In some examples, the shape of the hole and housing are the same (e.g., both cylindrical). In other examples, the shapes are different (e.g., one square, the other cylindrical).

The transmission circuitry 108 receives actuations from the actuator 106 and converts the actuations into signals for transmission via the antenna 110. The housing 109 is disposed within the opening 107 (e.g., a drilled hole) in the structural element 102 of a building. In so doing, any interference or absorption of RF signals transmitted by the antenna 110 caused by the structural element 102 of the building (or items attached to or associated with the structural element 102) is substantially reduced or eliminated. In other words, this configuration allows a signal of sufficient quality (e.g., having a sufficient power level or other operating characteristics) to be received and recognized by the remotely situated appliance 112.

In many examples, the transmitter 103 includes a power source 111 such as a battery. The power source 111 may be disposed within the transmitter 100 so as to be accessible to the user without removing the actuator 106 from its mounted position. For example, the power source 111 may be accessed by a removable cover. Alternatively, the power source 111 may be disposed within the transmitter 103 so as to be accessible to the user only by removing the actuator 106 from its mounted position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wireless transmitter apparatus 200 used to activate and/or control a remotely situated appliance 208 is described. The transmitter apparatus 200 includes an actuator 202. The actuator 202 is surrounded by a decorative plate 204. The decorative plate 204 may be an existing decorative plate or may be a new decorative plate. Transmitter 205 also includes a housing 206. The housing 206 surrounds an antenna and transmission circuitry (not shown). The actuator 202 is actuated by a user and, responsively, the transmission circuitry converts the actuation to a signal that is transmitted to the remotely situated appliance 208 via the antenna.

The antenna resides within the housing and when installed extends within an opening in a structural element of a building. In so doing, any interference or absorption of RF signals transmitted by the antenna caused by the structural element of the building or items attached to or associated with the structural element (e.g., siding, other electronic devices) is substantially reduced or eliminated.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of a wireless transmitter 300 that is used to activate and/or control a remotely situated appliance 314 is described. The transmitter apparatus 300 includes an actuator 302. The actuator 302 is coupled to a transmitter which includes transmission circuitry 310 and antenna 308. The coupling may be of a wired or wireless connection. The transmission circuitry 310 is coupled to a power source 306. For example, the power source may be a battery. The transmission circuitry 310 also is coupled to an antenna 308.

In operation, a user actuates the actuator 302. An indication of the actuation is received at the transmission circuitry 310. This indication of the actuation is converted by the transmission circuitry 310 to a radio frequency (RF) signal that is transmitted to an appliance 314 via the antenna 310.

The remotely situated appliance 314 may be a variety of type of devices. For example, the appliance may be a door bell (or chimes), a light, an intercom, a fan, an alarm system, a moveable barrier operator, a window treatment, a rolling shutter, a hot tub, a fireplace, a television, or a video source. Other examples of appliances are possible.

Thus, approaches are provided whereby portions of a wireless transmitter are arranged and situated so as to ensure that the wireless signals transmitted by the transmitter will be received by an appliance intended to receive the wireless signals. The approaches described herein are easy to use, can be retrofitted with existing buildings and appliances, and are easy and cost effective to implement.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the scope of the invention. 

1. A transmitter apparatus comprising: an actuator configured for mounting on a structural element of a building, the actuator at least partially exposed and accessible to a user, the actuator being configured to receive actuations from the user; and a transmitter which includes a housing, the housing shaped to fit within a cylindrically shaped hole that is less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and including transmission circuitry and an antenna, the housing coupled to the actuator and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building, the housing surrounding the transmission circuitry and antenna, the transmission circuitry configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively wirelessly transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.
 2. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a power source.
 3. The transmitter apparatus of claim 2 wherein the power source is disposed within the transmitter so as to be accessible to the user without removing the actuator from a mounted position in the structural element.
 4. The transmitter apparatus of claim 2 wherein the power source is disposed within the housing so as to be accessible to the user only by removing the actuator from a mounted position in the structural element.
 5. The transmitter apparatus of claim 4 wherein antenna is disposed within the housing so as to extend at least partially beyond the structural element of the building when the housing is inserted in the opening in the structural element.
 6. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is less than approximately 1.5 inches across its cross section.
 7. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least 70% of the volume of the transmitter is configured to be in the wall structure.
 8. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structural element comprises an element selected from the group consisting of an exterior wall, an interior wall and a barrier.
 9. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the remotely situated appliance comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a door bell; an intercom; a light; a fan; an alarm system; a moveable barrier operator; a window treatment; a rolling shutter; a hot tub; a fireplace; a television; and a video source.
 10. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises at least one button.
 11. The transmitter apparatus of claim 10 wherein the at least one button is illuminated.
 12. The transmitter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuator has a first volume and the housing has a second volume configured to be inserted into the wall structure, and the first volume is less than the second volume.
 13. A transmitter apparatus comprising: an actuator configured for mounting on a structural element of a building, the actuator at least partially exposed and accessible to a user, the actuator being configured to receive actuations from the user; and a transmitter which includes a cylindrically shaped housing, transmission circuitry and an antenna, the cylindrically shaped housing coupled to the actuator and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building, the housing surrounding the transmission circuitry and the antenna, the transmission circuitry configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively wirelessly transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.
 14. The transmitter of claim 13 wherein the hole is of less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and wherein the housing is of less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
 15. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a power source.
 16. The transmitter apparatus of claim 15 wherein the power source is disposed within the transmitter so as to be accessible to the user without removing the actuator from a mounted position in the structural element.
 17. The transmitter apparatus of claim 15 wherein the power source is disposed within the housing so as to be accessible to the user only by removing the actuator from a mounted position in the structural element.
 18. The transmitter apparatus of claim 17 wherein antenna is disposed within the cylindrically shaped housing so as to extend at least partially beyond the structural element of the building when the cylindrically shaped housing is inserted in the opening in the structural element.
 19. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 wherein the cylindrically shaped housing is less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
 20. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 wherein at least 70% of the volume of the transmitter is configured to be in the wall structure.
 21. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 wherein the structural element comprises an element selected from the group consisting of an exterior wall, an interior wall and a barrier.
 22. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 wherein the remotely situated appliance comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a door bell; an intercom; a light; a fan; an alarm system; a moveable barrier operator; a window treatment; a rolling shutter; a hot tub; a fireplace; a television; and a video source.
 23. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 wherein the actuator comprises at least one button.
 24. The transmitter apparatus of claim 23 wherein the at least one button is illuminated.
 25. The transmitter apparatus of claim 13 wherein the actuator has a first volume and the housing has a second volume configured to be inserted into the wall structure, and the first volume is less than the second volume.
 26. A transmitter apparatus comprising: an actuator which is configured to receive user interaction from a user; transmitter circuitry; an antenna coupled to the transmitter circuitry; and a rigid cylindrically shaped housing around the transmitter circuitry and the antenna, the cylindrically shaped housing coupled to the actuator and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in a structural element of a building so that at least 70% of the volume of the transmitter extends into the structural element, the transmission circuitry and antenna configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.
 27. A method of installing a transmitter that actuates a remotely situated appliance comprising: mounting an actuator to a structural element of a building; and disposing a transmitter into a hole in a structural element of the building, the transmitter comprising a rigid housing shaped to fit into the hole, RF transmission circuitry surrounded by the housing and an antenna within the housing, the antenna effective for responsively transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals to a remote appliance upon actuation of the actuator.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the housing is cylindrical in shape.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein disposing a transmitter comprises drilling a hole completely through a wall of the building.
 30. The method of claim 27 wherein the hole is of less than approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
 31. The method of claim 27 further comprising accessing a power source at the transmitter without removing the actuator from its mounted position.
 32. The method of claim 27 further comprising accessing a power source at the transmitter by removing the actuator from its mounted position.
 33. The method of claim 27 wherein the remotely situated appliance comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a door bell; a light; an intercom; a fan; an alarm system; a moveable barrier operator; a window treatment; a rolling shutter; a hot tub; a fireplace; a television; and a video source.
 34. The method of claim 27 wherein the structural element of the building comprises an element selected from the group consisting of an exterior wall, an interior wall, and a barrier.
 35. The method of claim 27 wherein at least 70% of the volume of the transmitter extends into the structural element.
 36. A wireless door bell and chime system comprising: an actuator mounted on a structural element of a building, the actuator at least partially exposed and accessible to a user, the actuator being configured to receive actuations from the user; and transmitter which includes a cylindrically shaped housing, transmission circuitry and an antenna, the cylindrically shaped housing coupled to the actuator and extending at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building, the housing surrounding the transmission circuitry and the antenna, at least 70% of the volume of the transmission circuitry and antenna being within the opening in the structural element; and chimes remote from the transmitter, the chimes configured to receive transmissions from the transmission circuitry and antenna, the transmission circuitry configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively and wirelessly transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to the remotely situated chimes. 